Just watched the highlights on the BBC website from the group game of the 1970 world cup and my god we were good, bearing in mind we played what is generally regarded as the best ever national team. There really was not a lot in it. Puts our team today in perspective. We have quite literally, no chance of winning anything for years
Whilst I'm not suggesting we will, many people under estimated Chelsea in their Champions League run. Quality isn't the most important factor in being successful.
agreed but they did not have smalling, cleverly, walker, jagiwatsisface, carrick, johnson, wilshere in the side. If we follow Chelsea's tactics, which were the same as Roy's at the euros, we will be lucky to get a draw against Costa coffee never mind Costa Rica
Err, we beat them recently and also drew at their place. Wilshere? Oh never mind, I thought you were being serious.
Chelsea had a plan it was ugly but they followed it through - not sure what Roys plan is and what style of play he hopes to adopt in Brazil . I imagine running around with hearts on sleeves will be the order of the day :/
We were a better team in 70 than in 66. Could have won the World Cup in 70 too, but threw away a 2-0 lead against West Germany. Still bloody rankles. Can hear my old man screaming at the telly, 'Don't take Charlton off, Ramsey you stupid get, it'll allow Beckanbaur to move forward. Should have managed England my Pop. Either him or Brian Clough. #tragedy
Back then England had quality and world class footballers. Now we have nothing. Brazil 2014 will show just that imo.
I think that move was the biggest tactical blunder of Alf Ramsey's career and what is also not appreciated was at the time Brazil were use to playing at such altitudes like this, England were not, they did marvellous that day and Bank's save from Pele is forever etched in my mind (bit like Jeff Astle's miss with a clear shot at goal) sigh
Sensational save. What's etched on my mind is Moore's tackles on the greatest player in the world. [video=youtube;72z5H9hkYGM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72z5H9hkYGM[/video] Especially the second one. Inside the box too!
/ [video=youtube;e4fzeK3SQa4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=e4fzeK3SQa4[/video]
Most people old enough to know have told me that the 1970 team was better than the 1966 one - and from what I've seen of World Cup highlights over the years I can see what they mean. Shame they couldn't get the job done against the Germans and then taken out the Italians, as a rematch in the final with Brazil would have been tasty. I can only really compare England teams from 1982 onwards - and there's little doubt that the weakest teams we have had have been Taylor's 1993 bumblers and the team from 2010 to now. Having said that, I think we might just be a little better now than in 2010 (not that that's saying much).
I remember that German game, two nil up and cruising then Ramsey changed it. Germans got one back and I left the house, I just knew what was coming and couldn't watch it.
That 1970 England team was probably the best side we ever had. In the QF v. W. Germany. Ramsey took off Bobby Charlton on 65 mins to save him for the semi v. Italy. BIG MISTAKE. Then it was all down hill, plus Bonetti who replaced Banks had a nightmare. Rumours were rife that Banks had been poisoned. Bonetti let in a soft shot from Beckanbaur then they scored again with a lucky header. The writing was on the wall from then on with the Germans hammering us in the later stages. Muller, I think, scored the third and we never looked like finding an equaliser.
I agree we were a better side in 1970 compared to the 66 team. I also believe we were nobbled that year. Banks did get food poisoning, Bobby Moore was accused of theft from a diamond shop and opposition fans kept the players awake during the night. Considering how little sleep they had, I think they played really well, not forgetting the altitude problem.
